You can learn all kinds of things on the internet. How to fix your leaky tap, how to get your baby to go to sleep in five seconds, and now, how to get your kid to step away from the console.
On the Japanese Twitterverse this week we read of one father’s unusual method of getting his son to stop playing video games – by making Pokémon compulsory.
Our story comes courtesy of Japanese Twitter user @coyo54, who tells the tale of his senpai (superior) at work, who was having problems with his game-obsessed son:
https://twitter.com/coyo54/status/611562943700799488“My coworker’s son was completely obsessed with Pokémon. He and his wife tried limiting the kid to one hour of games a day and told him to play outside, but he never did what he was told.”
https://twitter.com/coyo54/status/611562996884598785“So, the father decided to implement a new system. ‘There are no limits on how long you can play for,’ he told his son, ‘but you must catch one pokémon every day. You also have to report to me every day on your progress.’
“At first, the son was delighted, but he soon tired of the new regime. When his father spotted him playing something else, he would yell: ‘Why aren’t you playing Pokémon?!’ Eventually, the son got sick of video games and took up soccer instead.”
The son, who is in elementary school, now apparently plays on a soccer team in his spare time instead of staying cooped up playing Pokémon all day.
▼ He never caught ’em all.
But is this good parenting? Japanese Twitter commenters were divided, with some decrying the father’s actions as tantamount to brainwashing. Others praised the dad for his smart idea in successfully convincing the boy to take up another hobby. The original poster, meanwhile, defended the father:
https://twitter.com/coyo54/status/611563209649029120“This senpai of mine, he’s a great worker and highly respected. I want to follow his example. And I never, ever plan to disobey him.”
We don’t think we’d like to get on this guy’s bad side, either!
Source: Twitter via Hachima kikou
Featured image © RocketNews24
Japanese dad supports kid’s dream of becoming a dragon that school nixed, kid changes mind anyway
Japanese dad mercilessly beats son to tears in Smash Bros. after he says he wants to be pro gamer
Three-year-old Japanese girl loves Grand Theft Auto, dad says it’s a great game for kids
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Tokyo’s giant Pokémon Stamp Rally is back for 2026 with exclusive prizes up for grabs
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
How to make your kids hate video games using Animal Crossing
Genius Japanese dad designs T-shirt that tricks your kids into giving you a massage as they play
Japanese kid turns dad’s retro game collection into awesome Dragon Quest clock【Photos】
Former otaku regrets wasting so much money as a kid, Dad tells him why it was money well spent
Hands on with New Pokémon Snap! Is the Poké-photo game fun to play with your kids?
These Game of Thrones/Pokémon hybrid designs make us want to catch ’em all!
Japanese Twitter user spots moms showing fighting spirit during kids’ Pokémon card battle in park
Japanese mom considers cutting off financial support for son who wants to make porn games
Japanese man’s son claps back to his lecture about too much YouTube time, starts media debate
Japanese Mom’s son makes Mario Maker course just for her, easy to clear, impossible to forget【Vid】
Japanese mom praises hard-studying teenage son…for his Pokémon notes?!?